BB-031 / Punishment
Hanging, Drawing, and Quartering
The Act
The condemned was drawn (dragged) to the place of execution, hanged until nearly dead, then disemboweled and emasculated while still conscious, beheaded, and finally quartered. The body parts were often displayed in public places. The method was used for high treason.
The Response
The practice was gradually restricted and the disembowelment element was abolished in the 19th century. The last full execution of this type in Britain occurred in the 18th century. It remains a symbol of medieval English judicial severity.